Bruno Fernandes Questions Michael Carrick's Tactics After Man United's Loss to Como

Michael Carrick, the head coach of Manchester United, has come under intense scrutiny due to the team's disappointing beginning to the 2026/27 season. The Red Devils sit 13th in the Premier League with only one win from seven league games, managing just two victories in all competitions so far. Their recent 4-1 defeat to Como on the road added fuel to the fire.

Captain Bruno Fernandes Voices Concerns

Following the loss, Bruno Fernandes, the club captain, appeared to openly challenge Carrick's tactical decisions during the match. When asked about what went wrong, Fernandes pointed toward the coaching staff's approach rather than taking full responsibility on the players.

• Fernandes said: "It's a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, but sometimes when you give too much the ball to these teams they get confidence."
• Regarding whether Carrick got tactics wrong, Fernandes added: "That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable."

The team has rarely employed a high-pressing style since Carrick became permanent manager.

Carrick Responds to Captain's Comments

In the post-match press conference, Carrick addressed Fernandes' remarks by defending his strategy. He explained that the team did attempt man-to-man pressing in the second half but conceded a goal during that phase.

• Carrick stated: "We actually were half pressing man-to-man in the second half and conceded a goal from that. It's a little bit on whatever system or tactics you play; if you don't run forward and you don't run back you ain't gonna win."

Former Players Criticize Fernandes' Public Remarks

Ex-players turned pundits Jamie Carragher and Joe Cole criticized Fernandes for questioning the tactics publicly while still captain.

• Joe Cole on TNT Sports: "You cannot come out and question the tactics as captain of the side. That's sacrilege. I've played for managers where I didn’t agree with the tactics, but you'd say that to your mate or your wife, not in public. He doesn’t even do it properly. If you're going to say it, be bold. He kind of says 'maybe this, maybe that' but leaves it to the manager. He's trying to be clever."
• Jamie Carragher on CBS Sports: "Last week Lisandro Martinez was out of order for calling out the hierarchy. For Bruno Fernandes to do that is a disgrace. Last season he was Player of the Year because Michael Carrick became the manager. He wouldn’t have won without Carrick."